State Police Brace For New Gun Law

WBAL's Steve Fermier reports on the gun purchase backlog in Maryland ahead of new regulations set to take effect soon. Download This File

State Police have doubled their staff to process new gun applications, but, they're still being buried under an avalanche of background checks as stiffer requirements loom on the horizon.

Those buying a gun today--legally--in Maryland face the prospect of at least a four month wait. And likely, with the new, stiffer regulations about to be enacted on Oct. 1, it's probably going to take much longer.

The State Police licensing bureau is processing applications this week that were filed for purchases made originially on May 12.

Sgt. Marc Black of the State Police said they're getting 2,400 new applications a week. In less than a month buyers also will have to provide fingerprints and a certification that a handgun safety course was taken.

Guns purchased today would, therefore, likely face a background check that might not clear much before the new year in January.

Some dealers have not held back and have given the guns to buyers after the mandatory 7-day wait concluded. That is not illegal under Maryland law, but, the State Police say they would rather that retailers and buyers be patient.

State Police say if such a sale is flagged in the background check, troopers will confiscate the weapon.

This year so far there have been 85,141 applications, with narly 47,000 processed and cleared so far, Sgt. Black said.

The staff doing the checks has been doubled from 30 people to 73, he said. And more than 20 troopers have been added.

As of Oct. 1, all handgun weapons purchases in Maryland will require a "handgun qualification license" that now includes proficiency and safety certification and fingerprints from an authorized agency. And the background check for a criminal or mental issue past also remains in place.